Coral Brooches

In the early nineteenth century there was a passion for flowers. Explorers were bringing back new specimens from far flung places and writing about their discoveries. This example is an enchanting late Georgian botanical brooch, made circa 1820. It consists of three flowers, one is a "forget me not" set with turquoise and a natural split pearl. This was intended to send a sweet secret message that not to forget the admire who has given this to you! The other two flowers have been set with an amethyst and natural split pearls and an emerald with carved white coral petals. There are two finely chased and engraved gold leaves with a triple stem above that attaches to the three separate flowers. Similar pieces like this can be found in the Hull Grundy collection at The British Museum. }

The witchetee is an edible bug that lives in the bush in Australia and is considered a survival food as it is packed full of protein. This little chap is carved out of coral and has two 18ct gold and diamond set bands across its body. It was made circa 1900-1910. }

A beautiful model of a bird with long tail feathers, a ruby eye and an onyx underbelly. He is perched on a coral branch. It is signed Boucheron Paris. The House of Boucheron is a French family dynasty founded by Frederic Boucheron in 1858. In 1893, Frédéric Boucheron became the first jeweller to move to Place Vendôme in Paris where Boucheron remains to this day. The jewellery is top quality and well designed. }

In Germany Art NouveauJewellery made in the Art Nouveau era (1890-1915). More was known as Jugendstil, this became a major influence on the decorative arts by 1900. In 1907, the Deutscher Warbund was formed to promote an alliance between art and industry. It was a teaching institution started by Van der Velde and Hermann Muthesius, partly inspired by British design developments. Its influence is particularly evident in the mass produced jewellery designs of the company of Theodor Farhner in Pforzhiem, which was the centre of the German jewellery industry between 1900 and 1930. This brooch is from that period and typically Art DecoJewellery made in the Art Deco era (1920-1935). More. It is signed.}

This is a carved coral brooch from the late Regency period, circa 1830. It originated from Naples where the coral was sourced. Old Neapolitan coral is such a good colour. It is in the Neo-Classical taste, popular at the time and is in good condition. }

A really unusual gold brooch which is modelled on a Vatican Guard's helmet and staff which is set with five diamonds, two natural pearls, four coral beads and a sapphire. It was presumably a souvenir of a visit to Rome or it was a special commission. It is beautifully made in 18ct gold and platinum and it dates to around 1900. }